New 2022 Kia Seltos revealed

When this feature was launched, it was hailed as the way of the future but now vehicle manufacturers are backtracking due to growing criticism.

Kia has ditched the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic from its updated Seltos small SUV, following other carmakers who have backed away from the technology.

Dual-clutch autos were hailed as the next big thing a few years ago. They offered slick and rapid gear changes as well as improved fuel economy over traditional “torque converter” transmissions.

They were particularly popular in performance applications, where they could shift gears quicker than any human could change gears in a manual gearbox.

Together with small, turbocharged engines they could deliver V6 performance with four-cylinder economy.

But while they are impressive on the open road, dual-clutch autos can be hesitant and jerky at low speeds.

The updated Kia Seltos will have an eight-speed auto. Picture: Supplied.

They can also be potentially dangerous at intersections and roundabouts where they can hesitate when a driver floors the accelerator for a small gap in the traffic.

On top of that, they are typically more expensive than traditional torque converter gearboxes.

The Seltos currently has a dual-clutch auto matched to its more expensive 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine. But the manufacturer says it will be replaced in the new model with an eight-speed torque converter transmission for “a smoother overall driving experience”.

The Kia move follows the lead of Volkswagen, which has dropped its dual-clutch auto in favour of a torque converter on the Golf.

New models such as the T-Roc have also arrived equipped with 8-speed autos, as have some models from sister company Skoda.

It is expected that the change will eventually extend to the larger Sportage, which also has the dual-clutch auto at the moment. Sister company Hyundai will likely follow suit with its Kona and Tucson SUVs when they are updated.

Redesigned rear tail light are part of a styling update that includes a new front grille and headlights. Picture: Supplied.

Kia has not quoted economy figures for the new Seltos, but it is possible that fuel consumption may increase slightly with the switch.

The Skoda Karoq highlights the performance and fuel economy advantages of dual-clutch autos. Its 1.4-litre engine, fitted with a torque converter transmission, makes 110kW and 250Nm, uses 6.5 litres per 100km and takes 9.2 seconds to reach 100km/h. The 2.0-litre model in the range makes 140kW and 320Nm, uses 6.6L/100km and reaches 100km/h in seven seconds flat.

Kia says the 1.6-litre turbo has also been updated for the model change, which comes with refreshed exterior styling and a more hi-tech cabin.

There’s a new headlight design, a bigger grille and a new-look bumper with a more prominent skid-plate underneath.

The new Seltos will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. Picture: Supplied.

At the rear, there are new tail lights and a refreshed bumper design.

Inside, analog gauges have been replaced by a digital display in front of the driver. The cheapest model, the S, will have a 4.2-inch screen, while the Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line will have the 10-inch screens that debuted on the larger Sportage.

Kia has also added more driver assistance tech across the range. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are currently extra-cost options on the two cheapest models but will be standard on the new model.

All models will also have rear air vents and faster USB-C charging ports in the back, as well as a full-size spare tyre, a rarity in this part of the market.

Originally published as New 2022 Kia Seltos revealed